A Hymn Written by a Caveman
Did you know that a “Caveman” wrote a popular Christian hymn?
Well, kind of.
Ever heard the one about the caveman who could write a killer hymn? No, this isn’t the setup for a joke; it’s the story of Joachim Neander, the original hymn-slinging, cave-dwelling trendsetter of the 17th century.
Joachim was your typical 17th-century guy, dabbling in theology, teaching, and casually revolutionizing the Christian music scene. By day, he was shaping young minds in Heidelberg and Dusseldorf, Germany. But when the bell rang, it was off to the wilds for some quality cave time. Yes, before it was cool to be a “caveman,” Joachim was out there in the Dussel River valley, getting inspired by nature and probably scaring the local wildlife with his singing.
Legend has it that he even turned these caves into his own personal concert venues for divine services. Fast forward a century or so, and they’re naming the valley Neandertal after him. Talk about leaving a mark!
Then, in 1856, Johann Fuhlrott, another educator with a knack for stumbling upon historical gold, finds some ancient bones. These weren’t just any bones; they were Neanderthal bones, making Joachim the posthumous poster boy for prehistoric humans.
So, next time you’re humming one of those timeless hymns, remember Joachim Neander: part-time teacher, full-time nature enthusiast, and the accidental namesake of the Neanderthal. Who knew cavemen had such a flair for the arts?
It could be said that Joachim Neander is the first “Neanderthal Man.”
Neander’s profound appreciation for the natural world and his devotion to its Creator shine brightly in his hymn “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.” It’s easy to picture him, nestled by the banks of the Dussel River, pen in hand, as the words flowed from his heart:
Praise to the Lord! Over all things he gloriously reigneth.
Borne as on eagle wings, safely his Saints he sustaineth.
Hast thou not seen
How all thou needest hath been
Granted in what he ordaineth?
Like many of his contemporaries, Neander likely drew upon a familiar folk tune to give his words life, setting a precedent for the intertwining of faith and melody that speaks to the soul. His journey took him to Bremen in 1679, where he served as an assistant preacher at St. Martin’s church, but his life was cut tragically short by tuberculosis at the tender age of 30.
Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of the Old Testament, Neander’s words echo the pastoral beauty and profound trust in God’s provision found in Psalm 23. This Psalm, with its vivid imagery of green pastures and still waters, offers a glimpse into the heart of a man deeply moved by the world around him and the divine hand that guides it.
The power of hymns to stir the soul was made evident to me once again at the Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 2019 when a Brigham Young University choir’s rendition of “Jesus Once of Humble Birth” brought tears to the eyes of one its young singers. I was touched when I saw how this young singer was physically affected by the experience of singing for a worldwide audience.
This moment mirrored my own experience in 2012, singing “Praise to The Lord the Almighty” at General Conference. The hymn, a familiar one from my youth, suddenly took on a new depth, reminding me of the profound connection between music, faith, and the divine.
Music, especially when brought forth by a choir, embodies the unity and diversity of the church itself. The blend of voices, each unique in strength and timbre, creates a harmonious and uplifting experience that transcends individual capability. In this collective expression of faith, we find a reflection of the divine, a reminder that together, we create something far greater than the sum of our parts.
Singing “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” within such a setting felt like joining a celestial chorus, a reminder of the continuous thread of praise that binds believers across time and space. It reawakened in me an appreciation for the hymn’s message, a call to recognize and rejoice in the wonders that God has wrought.
This hymn, with its exhortation to join all of creation in adoration of the Lord, serves as a potent reminder of the enduring nature of worship. Whether through song or the spoken “Amen,” we are invited to participate in a timeless tradition of reverence, gratitude, and joy.
As I left the conference, compelled to capture my reflections, I was struck by the sense of connection to a greater choir — one that spans generations and echoes the eternal praise of a grateful heart. In writing down my experience, I realized that worship is not only found in grand gestures but in the quiet acknowledgment of our shared divinity and the unending grace that sustains us.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty is not just a hymn; it’s an invitation to witness the divine in every aspect of our lives, to join our voices with those who have gone before us in a symphony of faith that resonates through time. It is a call to remember that in His love, we find our truest expression of worship and our most profound source of strength.
Praise to the Lord! Oh, let all that is in me adore him!
All that hath breath, join with Abraham’s seed to adore him!
Let the “amen”
Sum all our praises again,
Now as we worship before him.
In this spirit, let us carry forward the legacy of Joachim Neander, not only in our songs but in our hearts, as we walk in the light of His love and grace, ever mindful of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us.
